your word."

The courier nodded and spake to his master, who, with a pompous air,
told in his open hand the glittering gold, which was seen transferred to
Gaspar's eager grasp.

"And now where is this same Gulielmo?" inquired the courier. "Bring him
hither as quickly as possible. I doubt not, when he hears of his
advancement, that he will leap for joy."

The youth presently arrived. The courier informed him of the matter in
hand, while the prince nodded his head most graciously, and smiled so
grim a smile that all the servants looked on dismayed.

"Haste," said the courier to Gulielmo, "pack up your knapsack as quickly
as may be, and bid Rosa adieu, for it is time that we were on the road
for Rome. There thou shalt undertake the painter's art, and work for
fame and bread. And, if all works prosperously, you shall soon be able
to wed the fairest maid of all the land."

An hour passed; the carriage drew up before the inn door, the host
delivered his most obsequious bow, fair Rosa bade farewell to her lover,
the prince and Gulielmo entered the stately vehicle, and, with a loud
crack of the coachman's whip, the travellers set out for Rome.





CHAPTER III.